Tanzania Visa for Swiss Citizens 2026 — Requirements & How to Apply

Do Swiss Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, Swiss citizens require an eVisa to enter Tanzania for tourism, business, or leisure. Tanzania does not offer visa-free entry to Swiss passport holders . The standard tourist visa (Ordinary Visa) costs 50 USD and is valid for 90 days with a single entry . You can apply online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points, though advance application is recommended .

Visa Types for Swiss Travellers

Tanzania offers several visa categories. Swiss citizens travelling for tourism or leisure apply for the Ordinary Visa (Single Entry) :

Most Swiss tourists apply for the Ordinary Visa . If you plan multiple visits within 12 months, you may request a Multiple Entry Visa, though this is not standard for Swiss nationals .

Passport & Validity Requirements

Your Swiss passport must meet these requirements :

• Minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania
• At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit marks
• Must be in good condition (no damage, legible biographic data page)

If your passport has less than 6 months remaining, renew it before applying for your eVisa .

Required Documents for Your eVisa Application

Prepare digital copies of the following before starting your online application :

• Passport biographic data page — colour scan, high quality, clearly readable
• Passport-sized photograph — meeting strict specifications (see below)
• Proof of accommodation — hotel reservation, lodge booking confirmation, or invitation letter from a host in Tanzania
• Return or onward travel ticket — flight booking confirmation showing your departure from Tanzania
• Valid email address — for visa approval notification

All documents must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation .

Passport Photo Requirements (Critical)

Your photo must meet these exact specifications, or your application will be rejected :

• Dimensions: 45mm (length) × 35mm (width)
• File format: JPG or JPEG only
• File size: Maximum 500KB
• Background: Plain, solid colour (white or light neutral preferred)
• Face presentation: Full face, front-facing, unmounted
• Head coverage: From top of hair to bottom of chin; both edges of face clearly visible
• Eyes: Open, looking directly at camera
• Expression: Natural, neutral (no exaggerated smiling)
• Quality: Colour photo, no shadows or distracting marks on face or background
• Glasses: Permitted if you regularly wear them; no tinted lenses
• Religious head coverings: Permitted only for genuine religious reasons; face must be fully visible

Photographs not meeting these specifications are a leading cause of application rejection . Use a professional passport photo service if unsure.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Tanzania eVisa Online

Step 1: Visit the Official Tanzania Immigration Portal

Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz — the official Tanzania Immigration e-Services platform . Avoid third-party visa agents or unofficial websites; they charge higher fees for the same service and may process applications incorrectly .

Step 2: Create an Account & Complete the Application Form

Register with your email address and complete the online visa application form. You will be asked to provide :

• Full name (as it appears in your passport)
• Date of birth
• Passport number and issue/expiry dates
• Nationality (Switzerland)
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.)
• Intended arrival and departure dates
• Intended port of entry (e.g., Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar)
• Contact information (phone, email)
• Accommodation details in Tanzania

Double-check all entries before submitting; errors in your name, passport number, or dates can delay processing or lead to rejection .

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Scan and upload :

• Passport biographic data page (colour, high quality)
• Passport-sized photograph (JPG/JPEG, ≤500KB, meeting specifications above)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel confirmation or invitation letter)
• Return or onward flight ticket

Ensure all files are clearly readable and properly oriented before uploading.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

The eVisa application fee is 50 USD for Swiss citizens applying for an Ordinary (single-entry) tourist visa . Payment methods accepted online include :

• Debit card
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)

Keep your payment receipt for your records. You will receive a payment confirmation email.

Step 5: Receive Your eVisa Approval

Once approved, you will receive an email with your eVisa (typically a PDF) . Print the eVisa and keep it with your passport; you must present it at immigration upon arrival in Tanzania. Some entry points will scan the QR code on your eVisa; others may stamp your passport separately.

Visa Fees & Payment Methods

Important: Official Tanzania Immigration fees are 50 USD for Swiss tourists . If you are quoted a higher amount, you may be using an unauthorized agent. Always apply directly via eservices.immigration.go.tz to pay the official rate .

Processing Times & eVisa Validity

Standard Processing: 7–15 business days . We recommend applying at least 2–3 weeks before your departure to allow for processing and any follow-up requests.

Rush Processing: 3 working days (additional 20 USD fee) .

eVisa Validity: Your eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You may enter Tanzania anytime within this 90-day window; the 90-day stay period begins on your date of entry, not issue .

Single Entry: The Ordinary Visa permits one entry only. If you leave Tanzania and wish to return, you must apply for a new visa .

What Happens at Immigration: Entry & Arrival

When you arrive at a Tanzanian entry point (Kilimanjaro Airport, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or land borders), immigration officers will :

• Scan your eVisa QR code (or manually verify your approval)
• Check your passport — validity, blank pages, no damage
• Ask about your purpose — tourism, business, visiting family
• Review your accommodation proof — they may ask where you're staying
• Verify your return ticket — confirm you have onward travel
• Stamp your passport — entry date and permitted stay duration (usually 90 days)

Processing at immigration typically takes 5–15 minutes. Have your eVisa, passport, and return ticket easily accessible. Remain polite and answer questions directly .

Visa on Arrival (Alternative Option)

If you have not applied for an eVisa in advance, you can obtain a visa on arrival at major Tanzanian entry points, including Kilimanjaro Airport (Arusha), Dar es Salaam International Airport, and Zanzibar Airport . However, advance eVisa application is strongly recommended :

• Visa on Arrival: Same-day processing, but queues can be long; payment in USD cash preferred (some airports accept cards)
• eVisa (Advance): Faster entry process, guaranteed approval before travel, lower risk of complications

If applying on arrival, bring :

• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Passport-sized photograph
• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket
• 50 USD cash (or payment card if available)

Extending Your Stay in Tanzania

If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for an extension before your initial visa expires . Extensions are processed by the Tanzania Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam. Confirm the current process and fees on the official immigration website or contact the Tanzania Mission to the UN in Geneva :

• Phone: +41-22-731 8920 or +41-22-909 1070
• Email: ubalozi@tanzania-mission.ch
• Address: 47 Avenue Blanc, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM (consular services)

Plan extensions well in advance; processing can take 1–2 weeks .

Overstaying Your Visa

Overstaying a Tanzania visa incurs fines, potential detention, and a ban on re-entry . If you exceed your 90-day permit, you may be :

• Fined (amount depends on days overstayed)
• Detained for questioning
• Deported at your own expense
• Banned from re-entering Tanzania

Do not overstay. If you need extra time, apply for an extension before your visa expires .

Transit Visa (If Passing Through Tanzania)

If you are transiting through Tanzania to another country and will not leave the airport, you typically do not need a visa. However, if you will spend time outside the airport or stay overnight, you must apply for a Transit Visa (30 USD) or Ordinary Visa (50 USD) . Confirm your specific transit route with the airline and Tanzania Immigration before travel .

Common Application Mistakes & Rejection Reasons

Avoid these common errors, which lead to application rejection or delays :

• Incorrect passport number or spelling: Ensure your name and passport details match exactly
• Poor-quality photograph: Blurry, off-center, wrong dimensions, or wrong file format — most common rejection cause
• Expired or invalid passport: Your passport must have 6+ months validity
• Missing or unclear proof of accommodation: Hotel booking must show dates and your name
• No return ticket: Immigration requires proof of onward travel
• Applying too close to travel date: Allow 2–3 weeks for standard processing
• Using unauthorized visa agents: Apply directly via eservices.immigration.go.tz to avoid errors and overpayment
• Illegible passport scan: Ensure all text is clear and readable; re-scan if needed

If your application is rejected, you will receive an email explaining the reason. You can resubmit after correcting the issue .

Practical Tips for Swiss Travellers

• Apply early: Submit your eVisa 2–3 weeks before travel to allow for processing and any requests for additional documents
• Use the official portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz is the only authorized online application system; third-party sites charge extra fees
• Print your eVisa: Print a copy of your approved eVisa and carry it with your passport; some entry points may not have internet access
• Keep payment receipt: Save your payment confirmation email for your records
• Check health requirements: Vaccinations & health requirements vary by destination within Tanzania; consult your doctor before travel
• Plan your safari: If visiting for wildlife, browse Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar packages to compare tour operators and lodges
• Notify your bank: Inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent payment card blocks
• Carry backup copies: Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, eVisa, and travel documents separately

Contact Information for Swiss Citizens

For visa questions or assistance, contact the Tanzania Mission to the United Nations in Geneva (the official Tanzanian diplomatic mission serving Switzerland) :

• Address: 47 Avenue Blanc, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
• Phone: +41-22-731 8920 or +41-22-909 1070
• Fax: +41-22-732 82 55
• Email: ubalozi@tanzania-mission.ch
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (general); 8:30 AM–12:30 PM (consular/visa services)

For general visa inquiries, you can also email the Tanzania Immigration Department :

• Email: info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz

Yellow Fever & Other Entry Requirements

While a Tanzania visa is your primary travel document, be aware of other entry requirements :

• Yellow fever vaccination: Required if arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all Tanzania visitors
• Malaria prophylaxis: Recommended for most regions; consult your doctor
• Travel insurance: Not required but highly recommended

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss vaccinations specific to your itinerary.

Planning Your Tanzania Trip

Once your visa is approved, you can focus on planning your adventure. Whether you're interested in Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar packages 2026: Cost breakdown & best operators or exploring specific regions like 7-day itineraries, SafariFind helps you compare operators, lodges, and pricing to find the best fit for your budget and interests.